Get a look inside MSOE's renovation of the stalled Staybridge into student housing: Slideshow

The long-dormant Staybridge Suites building on North Water Street in downtown Milwaukee has again been buzzing with builders as the Milwaukee School of Engineering renovates it for student and faculty housing.

See the attached slideshow for a look inside the building at the $25 million renovation project being led by Brookfield-based Hunzinger Construction Co.

The Staybridge was among downtown’s biggest question marks since 2009, when the hotel’s construction halted amid financial problems with the project. That spawned one of the most complicated real estate lawsuits in recent memory, as various owners on the project wrestled to recover money from the failed project.

It was eventually auctioned off and was held by a New York company until MSOE last October bought it for $12 million to meet its future need for student housing. Some units in the building will be ready for occupants for start of classes in the fall.